The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested Iddrisu Zakari, popularly known as Yaayaa, described by officials as a notorious galamsey kingpin operating within the Osino enclave in the Eastern Region.
According to a statement released by NAIMOS, Zakari was apprehended on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Bonsu, after he agreed to meet with operatives to negotiate the release of his detained accomplices and to discuss halting an ongoing investigation into his illegal mining activities.
The arrest follows a major raid carried out by NAIMOS on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Zakari’s illegal mining site, where 32 Nigerien nationals and four armed Ghanaian guards were arrested. Zakari has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and prosecution.
Wider Anti-Galamsey Operation in Birim North
In a related development, NAIMOS conducted a large-scale coordinated operation across parts of the Birim North District on November 8, reinforcing the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.
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The operation led to multiple arrests, the immobilisation of heavy-duty excavators, and the seizure of cash and equipment linked to illegal mining syndicates.
According to an official statement shared by Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, the operation began at 6:05 a.m. on November 5, 2025, when the NAIMOS taskforce left its Accra base for several mining hotspots in the region.
At Pankese, around 8:20 a.m., the taskforce intercepted an active mining operation. Despite tip-offs from local motorbike riders that allowed some miners to flee, one foreign national believed to be a mechanic and four Ghanaian miners were arrested. Four excavators were discovered—two stripped of control systems and two operational—which were subsequently seized and immobilised. The team also confiscated a car washing machine and two buckets of hydraulic oil.
All suspects were handed over to the New Abirem Police Station for processing.
Further Raids and Arrests
Around 9:30 a.m., the team moved to another illegal mining area near the Jaadie River (Anokye Site), where eight excavators were found. Four had been dismantled, while the remaining four were active and immediately disabled. Control systems recovered at the site were seized as evidence.
Later, at 12:15 p.m., operatives detained three suspects believed to be monitoring the taskforce’s movements and plotting an attack. A search uncovered GHS 17,000 in cash, a pepper spray canister, a metallic chain, suspected Indian hemp, and multiple mobile phones.
The taskforce continued its operations at Amenam around 2:20 p.m., where it inspected a mining concession belonging to Sikadwa Global Limited Company. Verification confirmed that the company was operating legally. However, two pump-action shotguns were seized for security assessment before the team withdrew at 4:20 p.m.
Commitment to Ending Illegal Mining
NAIMOS described the operation as a major blow to illegal mining operations within the Birim North District, noting that despite early intelligence leaks, its team remained disciplined and professional throughout.
The recovery of cash, weapons, and advanced machinery, according to officials, highlights the increasing sophistication of illegal mining networks. However, NAIMOS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to dismantling such operations, protecting forest reserves, and safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to enforce the law and defend the nation’s natural resources,” NAIMOS said in a statement. “Through coordination, persistence, and discipline, we will continue to disrupt illegal mining networks and restore order to Ghana’s mining sector.”
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem